Advice and Insight Needed

My daughter was like that at 2, she could do math in her head and all of the above...she is still ahead but not gifted level...some kids J. pick up more really early. I'd J. let her be two and have fun. If they want her in a gifted program they ussually don't even start until 6. Also my daughter along with being smart is VERY sensitive and super shy with certain people starting around 3---she still was always social on the playground. She thinks about everything and over analyizes since she was 2, so even though she is great in some areas, its better to hold her back a bit to adjust in those areas...thats my thoughts atleast

Slow Down......... Of course she is a smart little girl... She is learning from her sister as well. Some parents are so anxious to label their child GT they they forget to let the child be a child.

Honestly, children usually even out by 2nd grade and the GT program is not a large program.

I teach and I hate seeing the labels/pressure that parents have put on their GT children. With some parents, it is like a trophy... "see my child is smarter than yours". In first grade, some children go to the PACE (GT) class and they have such a holier than thou attitude because they go to PACE. They don't just develop this attitude.... they hear it from parents. These are the children we have the most issues with socially due to their attitudes toward anyone who is not in the GT program. Most are not socially mature at all.

Now before anyone gets on here attacking me with hate mail... I am NOT saying all GT children are like this. There are a few truly highly GT children and NOT ALL have the attitude.

If the school tests her, that is great. If she truly needs a GT program, the school will take care of that and make sure she gets her needs met.

In the meantime, let her be a child, play, interact with others, play normal games that 2 yr olds play. She is not going to get dumb because you don't put her in an advanced program. Everyday activity educates her... let her little brain soak it all up with no pressure.

Good luck.

Wow, you've got quite a little learner!

I'm a preschool teacher that teaches nearly everything through play, and I'm always loving the observations children come up with on their own, through their play.

You've already posted your SWH, so just one thing to add: do try to give your little one some scheduled time to play alone when it's appropriate. Little kids sometimes look for constant connection -- heck, that's how she's learning how to be a human being AND developing her sense of connection and belonging within her groups (at home and daycare). You do want to provide opportunities, too, for her to play alone, even if it's "I'm going to set a timer for five minutes to do dishes and you can play over here." Give her a fun place (even a cardboard box) and few interesting objects/toys. Do it on a weekend time when she's already gotten some love and attention. And then, when she's comfy with five minutes, add on.

Sorry if this seems silly or a no-brainer; I'm a strong believer in helping children develop the ability to play alone. There are a lot of benefits that come with independent play. Otherwise, sounds like you are choosing a very healthy path for your little one!

Don't stress about this. She is just a very smart little girl and by you not putting her in a special program she is not going to get dumb. If you want to and you feel comfortable with it, check out the programs and see what they have to offer for her age, but don't overdo it. My daughter (the youngest of 3 and only girl) has always been very smart. When my middle one was in kinder and my oldest in 2nd I had to ask the kinder teacher to give me some work to take to her for homework because she would get mad that the boys were doing homework and she wasn't. Remind you I had books for her age that she was bored with, so I would bring her the same papers and she would do them fine. Since she entered kinder she's been in the gifted and talented program. She is now in 5th grade and remains in the gifted and talented program, and loves school; although she has her days (in my opinion, they give her way too much homework now).
So, I said all that to say this; don't stress, let her be, if it is not an inconvenience for you to take her to be tested for a special program, then do it. If not, don't worry about it, let her be herself and encourage her to continue learning. My cousin's son when he was in middle school was tested and they bumped him two grades, he was able to deal with it as he adjusted good, but not everyone can, their maturaty level is not ready for it.
So again, just enjoy your daughter and let her be :)
Blessings

Pace yourself and by all means let her be the child she is. Don't discourage her learning or ability on any level.
But reciting the ABCs and recognizing letters is WAY different than forming words and structuring sentences on paper.
And I'm sure a lot of it is the older sister coupled with the fact that your younger daughters visual memory is advanced. You are fortunate and blessed. Just my two cents....

This is a double edged sword type of situation, you don't want your child pushed into situations that their chronological age tells you they aren't going to be able to handle, then there is the part of you that wants your child to excel in all they set out to do.

You must go with your mama gut on this one, if you feel comfortable in putting her in the higher class then give it a shot, if it doesn't work out you can always remove her from the situation, if you DON'T feel in your heart & gut that this is the right move for YOUR child (not the daycare, not the moms @ the park or playdates) then continue on with what you are doing @ home & leave it at that. IF she is going to be an EXEMPLARY (sp) child & excel in her little brain it WILL show, she will begin to soar above your expectations, IE she will begin to do math problems, have the ability to read books through & comprehend what she is reading to the level that she can tell you about the book, etc..

My kidz, grankidz have been, smarter than the average bear, smart, have learning difficulties, the older ones with the exception of one have always taught the younger ones, etc...I believe the child's individual personality & ability will out itself & you WILL know in your heart of hearts what is the best path to take for that child...just take a deep breath, think it all out (take a couple of days) and then, make YOUR decision about YOUR child!

It is hard to tell at this age in terms of development, many kids even out by about second grade in terms of identifying truly "gifted" kids (note often times kids who are truly 'genius' level gifted have social tics that are noticable - per an article I just read). Definately work to get her into GT classes in Kindergarten if you can. I think you are right that a lot of her early learning is because she has a great pre-school, an older sister and truly is a bright child. Keep it up, but don't fret about actual school until she gets to that point - you may see her peers begin to keep pace and catch up in the comming years.
How great though, to see her unique and wonderful personality and love of learning being recognized by others - I would be one proud, proud mama if I were in your shoes!!

I would consider having your daughter evaluated. Talk to her pediatrician. She/he can probably recommend a clinic/therapist. You have no idea what her potential is, but there are professional out there who do. I think it's great that she's displaying signs of advancement.

You want to place her in an environment were they can foster her ability/intellect and where she will be surrounded by other children with the same abilities. You don't want her to become bored or complacent. I wouldn't worry about putting too much pressure on her. She will probably enjoy the mental stimulation. Just because a program might be advanced it doesn’t mean they still doing have playtime. They learn through play. Plus, the time you guys spend together as a family can be 100% play if you're worried about keeping a balance.

We have our toddler in a private school right now where he has Spanish, French, Science, Art, Music, and gymnastics. Now is the time to lay the foundation.

I would contact the department head at a local University that has a good teaching program. Ask if there is a way to test her and what you can do. If she is placed in kindergarten at 4 and does well she will always be a year younger than all the other kids. This probably won't be a big deal until high school or college but when her friends are getting their drivers license she will be left out for a year. So think about how this can impact her life.

Just love her and encourage her to learn. Kids learn and mature at different ages and she may hit a wall around 4th or 5th grade or not at all. I would be working with educators to find the best programs for her as she grows up. Right now you have a very smart little girl, enjoy her.

Aded:
sorry for the typos -- my desktop crashed about 10 days ago and I'm using my laptop. It's a bit difficult to get used to the smaller keyboard.

Your daughter will be tested for GATE when she is in school.
For now, her JOB is to play.
Relax.
The "smart" isn't going to fade if she's not in a structured classroom program!

No offense...every mother thinks that their child is the smartest, most atheletic, and so advanced. I think my children are exceptional too and have the grades to prove it. I let them be kids first, because who wants to be pushed into a little adult life. If you keep pushing them, they will refuse to go to college etc... You need them to decide what's good for them. I seen so many kids gets burned out as kids...they refused to play sports and not go to college. She's two...she's still a baby. All kids learn quickly, because most children go to day care and learn. This day and age they expect more than what your daughter can do. Don't get me wrong she has a great start, but my children read at her age and counted to 100. It's not just knowing your ABC's, shapes and colors any more. Sorry, it's not the only post I have seen that people think they raised a genious. All parents think that...keep up the great work.